High Line Park inspires global urban renewal projects

New York's High Line, a 1.4-mile elevated park built on a former railway, opened its first section in June 2009 between Gansevoort Street and 20th Street. The project, initiated by Friends of the High Line in the late 1990s and designed by James Corner, Diller Scofidio, and Piet Oudolf, was completed in September 2014. It revitalized Chelsea, attracting residents and tourists. The park has become a model for urban development worldwide. Chicago's Bloomingdale Trail, at 2.7 miles, opened in June 2015. Philadelphia's Rail Park will open its first section in January 2018, with completion expected that spring. Washington's 11th Street Bridge Park, overseen by THEARC, aims to improve quality of life on the Anacostia River's east bank, with completion by end of 2019. Seoul's Seoullo 7017, designed by MRVDV, opened in May 2017, featuring 254 plant species and hosting exhibitions, markets, and flower shops. However, such projects risk gentrification: after the High Line opened, thirty redevelopment projects in Chelsea drove up property prices and rents, displacing long-term residents and businesses. In response, Robert Hammond founded the High Line Network, a platform for 19 similar parks to share strategies ensuring social equity and community benefits, prioritizing progress over profit.